Resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement and method

ABSTRACT

A bowl-in-pouch arrangement is provided from at least two flexible front and rear panels forming a void there between. A bowl is formed from a third panel and is disposed in the void between the front and rear panels. The bowl is sealed to the inner faces of the front and rear panels and the bowl defines a lower reservoir area and an upper bowl area. Gaps are formed in the seal between the bowl and the inner faces of the front and rear panels to permit fluid, under pressure, to travel from the reservoir into the bowl. An opening is formed in the upper edge of the front and rear panels to permit reclosable access to the fluid in the bowl.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 60/800,908 which was filed on May 16, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally concerns resealable, flexible pouch andbowl-in-pouch arrangements. In particular, the invention concerns anarrangement that in operation can be sealed about an object, objects orfluid contained within the structure; can be readily torn open foraccess to the enclosed item(s); and, can then be readily closed orresealed thereafter. While in the open position, a user can access theobject or fluid redistributed to an internal flexible bowl area withinthe pouch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of liquids and objects are marketed enclosed within flexiblepouch constructions. Among other things, such constructions cangenerally operate to: protect and preserver the freshness of theenclosed item(s); retain the objects or fluids within the container;facilitate storage and handling of the objects within the pouch;facilitate access to a single stored unit of the material from aplurality of units; and/or to inhibit contamination of the object storedwithin the pouch. A variety of pouch designs have been used, for suchpurposes.

One frequently used construction comprises first and second opposedpanels of materials, oriented in juxtaposed-relation to one another, andsealed along an outer peripheral area to one another, enclosing anobject therebetween. In general, for such arrangements a partiallyconstructed pouch is generated from the first and second opposed panels,by sealing them to one another along all but one side, to form an openpouch. Object(s) are inserted through the open side or end of the pouch,and the last, open, edge is then sealed, enclosing the item(s).Sometimes such arrangements are formed from first and second opposedpanels that are substantially rectangular, whereby the pouch will havefour side edges that are sealed about a contained object or containedobjects or fluid.

For some applications, it is desirable that the pouch construction bereclosable after it has been initially opened. It is desirable that thearrangement be such that it can be readily reclosed after it has beenopened for access to enclosed objects. In many applications it isfurther desirable that the pouch be readily reopenable after such aresealing to allow repeated access to enclosed objects. Such might bethe case, for example, when it is intended that the pouch be used toenclose a liquid, not necessarily to be removed from the pouch for useall at the same time. It is thus apparent that in some applications itis desirable to provide a reclosable or resealable bowl-in-poucharrangement.

In general, if the pouch arrangement comprises first and second opposedpanels sealed to one another along juxtaposed outer peripheries,disrupting the peripheral seal; i.e. tearing the pouch open, generallyopens the pouch. Such arrangements are not generally readily resealable,i.e., they are generally not resealable without the use of specialequipment, adhesives and/or similar means of closure.

Resealable arrangements have been developed. In general, these haveinvolved a mechanism oriented along an end or side of the pouch that canbe closed in a zipper-like fashion. One such arrangement comprises amechanism involving an elongate rib that can be selectively receivedwithin an associated channel or trough, formed between two flexiblemembers or lips. Such arrangements are generally referred to herein asrib and trough closure arrangements. One such arrangement is available,for example, under the trademark Ziploc® from Dow Chemical Co.

The conventional zipper-like arrangements are not, in general, desirablefor use in situations in which objects and fluids, as sold and/ordistributed, are to be completely enclosed within a sealed pouch. Areason for this is that closure arrangements such as the zipper-typearrangement are not readily sealed (during automated packaging) usingmechanical or mass manufacturing techniques. Further, generating alasting and secure seal along end portions of such arrangements can, insome instances, be difficult to accomplish. In general, zipper-likeseals are better suited for short-term use than they are as long-termpackage seals.

Pouch arrangements have been developed that, during the manufacturingprocess, are sealed such as by heating seals along the outer periphery,to enclose an object or objects therein, during manufacture andpackaging; and that include therein resealing means comprising a rib andtrough closure arrangement, oriented so that the rib and trough closurearrangement is actually enclosed within the initially sealed pouch.During use, tearing can provide initial access to an enclosed item oritems or cutting open an appropriate heat sealed seam or edge seal, andopening the internal closure arrangement. The internal closurearrangement (i.e. the rib and trough resealing means) can then be usedto reclose the pouch, with allowance for later access.

A typical pouch arrangement is made of first and second opposite panelmembers in juxtaposed relation to one another, and sealed to one anotheralong an outer periphery. In a typical application, panel members areformed from a plastic film, such as a heat sealable polypropylene,polyethylene, polyester, plastic film or the like, and the seals alongedges are conventional heat seals. Conventional heat seals found aroundthe outer periphery of the arrangement are usually about 0.2-0.3 incheswide.

A pouch construction is generally rectangular in shape; that is, each ofthe panels is substantially rectangular. During a typical packagingoperation, the panel members are sealed to one another along threeadjacent edges, with the remaining edges left not secured to oneanother, so that an object can be inserted into the pouch. After theobject or objects to be enclosed are positioned within the interior ofthe bowl-in-pouch arrangement, the open edges are sealed to one another,enclosing the object or objects.

Pouch construction includes an enclosed resealable mechanism. Theresealable mechanism is an enclosed zipper-type closure (i.e. rib andtrough closure arrangement) comprising a first elongated rib memberadhered to a trough member operatively associated with an oppositetrough member. Sealing, again, operates by engagement of the rib memberwith the trough member, for example in the manner of engagement of thewell-known Ziploc® arrangement.

The resealable mechanism extends between opposite sides so that thepanels are not adhered to one another. The mechanism is secured toopposing panels. In a typical conventional arrangement the closingregion would be about 0.4 to 0.5 inches wide, the width being thedistance between the seal and a seam that mounts mechanism.

The arrangement is initially opened, for access to an enclosed object orobjects, by removing an end from the construction, along a cut lineextending through top region. The opposing panels are not adhered to oneanother in the top region and define a central open area that surroundsthe objects or fluids.

It is also noted that initially a tear through sealed outer periphery isnecessary. The tear is often initiated through use of a scissors orsharp edge such as a razor. Alternatively, the outer periphery may benotched adjacent to, and aligned with, the top region. Some users willgenerate a tear along a straight edge such as a table or desk edge, or aruler. In any event, in typical operation edge is stripped from thepouch.

Once the edge has been stripped from the pouch, it will be understoodthat the portions of panels can be spread apart along the top region,allowing access to the interior of the pouch area between the panels.When desired, the pouch can then be reclosed. Thus, the arrangement doesprovide a construction that is sealed (for example by heat seals alongall edges) during the manufacturing or packing operation; that can beopened by stripping one of the seams or seals away from the arrangement;and that can be readily reclosed.

A score line and notches can facilitate removal of a tab from a pouchassembly, permitting access to an interior of the envelope. The scoreline directs the cut in a relatively straight path between notches. Thenotches weaken the relatively thick tab portion to facilitate itsremoval from the arrangement. An undesired cut is unlikely, since thescore line, again, directs the cut completely between notches. It isdesirable, in many instances, to use a thinner, more lightweight andflexible, material for packaging panels. A score line provides aweakening in the material from which the arrangement is constructed.

One such pouch arrangement comprises a pouch that can be fully sealedalong all sides thereof to enclose an article or articles but which canbe readily opened by hand, without the need for special tools and/orequipment, and which can then be readily resealed due to the presencetherein of a resealable mechanism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided a bowl-in-poucharrangement for transporting water or other liquid and for making thewater or other liquid available in a flexible, recloseable, poucharrangement with the internal area of the pouch configured into a lowerreservoir area which is in fluid communication with an upper bowl area.The upper bowl area is in communication with the opening at the top endof the pouch arrangement.

This bowl-in-pouch arrangement has utility for making water available toa pet and/or user when water is otherwise not conveniently available.For example during an outing on a hot a day a pet dog will get thirsty.Drinking water might not be readily available. The present inventionprovides a convenient means for making water available to the dog byplacing the bowl and water together in the same container.

In one embodiment of the present invention a resealable bowl-in-poucharrangement is provided which comprises a panel arrangement including atleast a front panel, a rear panel and a bottom panel. Each front, readand bottom panel has an inner face and an outer face. Each panel has anouter periphery. A collapsible bowl is connected to, and disposedbetween, the inner faces of the front and rear panels. The front andrear panels are connected to one another along the peripheries of theiredges. The lower end of the front and rear panels are connected to theperiphery of the bottom panel, thereby forming a contained reservoirarea consisting of the internal space defined by the lower end of thefront and rear panels, the inner face of the bottom panel, and thebottom face of the bowl suspended between the front and the rear panels.

A resealing means extends along the inner faces of the front and rearpanels, which is disposed between the end of the front and rear panelsand the collapsible bowl area. The resealing means may be a rib andtrough closure arrangement formed integrally on opposing inner faces ofthe front and rear panels. A removable seal is formed on the end of thefront and rear panels opposite from the location of the bottom panel.

Means are provided to load fluid into the reservoir area before theremovable seal is finally sealed for shipment. Alternatively, fluid maybe loaded into the reservoir though a sealable aperture disposed in thebottom panel.

In another embodiment of the present invention the bowl means is asingle sheet of material positioned to divide the internal pouch regioninto lower reservoir and upper bowl area.

In one embodiment of the present invention the bowl means is a flexiblebowl shaped material that occupies an upper portion of the internalpouch region. In either embodiment, the bowl means can be secured to thefirst and second opposed panels by the same securing means as theopposing front, rear and bottom panels are sealed with each other.

In one embodiment, the bottom panel may be replaced by sealing the endsof the inner faces of the front and rear panels to each other.

The seal between the periphery of the bowl section to the inside facesof the front and rear panel have gaps between sections of the sealwherein applying pressure to a contents of the reservoir region causesthe contents of the reservoir to flow into the bowl arrangement.

In another embodiment of the resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement of thepresent invention the bowl arrangement is perforated at its base so asto permit the fluid in the bowl to automatically slowly drain back intothe reservoir if not used in a timely manner.

In another embodiment, the resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement of thepresent invention is substantially rectangular.

In another embodiment, the resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement of thepresent invention is substantially square.

In another embodiment, the resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement of thepresent invention is substantially an oval.

In another embodiment, the resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement of thepresent invention is substantially round.

In another embodiment, the resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement of thepresent invention has an expandable base.

In another embodiment, the resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement of thepresent invention has an arrangement to facilitate tearing the pouchopen along its upper periphery to provide access to the bowlarrangement.

In another embodiment, the resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement of thepresent invention has an arrangement to facilitate tearing the pouchopen along its upper periphery to provide access to the bowlarrangement.

In one such arrangement, to facilitate tearing open the resealablebowl-in-pouch arrangement of the present invention by hand a reinforcedtab region is incorporated immediately adjacent a tear region having agap portion.

In one such arrangement, to facilitate tearing open the resealablebowl-in-pouch arrangement of the present invention, the tear region hasgreater propensity to tear than the reinforced tab region.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the tab region is atleast between about 0.7 and 1.5 inches.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the opposed panels are heatsealable and are formed from metallized polyester/polyolefin laminatefilm.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the opposed panels are heatsealable metallized polyester/polyolefin laminate film are heat sealedto one another along said outer periphery of said panel arrangementwithin said tab region and, within said tear region side edge portions.

In another bowl-in-pouch arrangement of the present invention theresealing means is a rib and trough closure arrangement.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of making aliquid available in a bowl is presented, the method comprising applyingpressure to the resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement to cause the liquidwithin the internal pouch region to flow upwardly into the bowlarrangement thereby making the liquid from the reservoir available inthe bowl.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a portion of the outerperiphery may be open, for example to insert an item.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lowpropensity to cross tear is provided by providing a relatively wideaverage width to the tab region, relative to other portions of thearrangement. The tab arrangement also includes a tear region, acrosswhich an opening tear is directed, thereby providing access to theinterior of the resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement.

The tab region preferably includes a gap portion and first and secondopposite edge or side edge portions. In preferred embodiments, the sideedge portions comprise part of an outer peripheral seal of thebowl-in-pouch arrangement; and, the gap portion extends therebetween.Generally, the gap portion also extends along the reinforced tabportion, immediately adjacent thereto. Within the gap portion, the firstand second opposed panels are not secured to one another, and thus donot provide a reinforcing composite.

Preferably, means are provided to ensure a relative high propensity fortear across the gap portion, relative to the reinforced tab portion, toensure that as one strips the tab arrangement from the resealablebowl-in-pouch arrangement, the tear will extend only across the tearregion and not across the reinforced tab portion. In preferredarrangements, this is provided by having a gap portion of less widththan the reinforced tab portion.

In more preferred embodiments, the average width of the gap portion isno greater than about 75% of the average width of the tab region, andpreferably no greater than about 40% and about 5-25% of the averagewidth of the tab region.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, tear notchesare spaced from, but adjacent, opposite ends of the gap portion tofacilitate opening the pouch to gain access to the bowl and to theliquid inside the pouch.

In a preferred embodiment the gap portion is characterized by theabsence of a score line thereacross.

In preferred embodiments, both the tab region and the gap portion aregenerally rectangular in configuration.

A resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement according to the presentinvention includes resealing means extending across the panelarrangement immediately adjacent to the gap portion, and positioned onan opposite side thereof from the tab region. The resealing meansinclude means for selective opening and resealing of an interior portionof the internal pouch region. Preferably, the resealing means comprisesa rib and trough closure arrangement.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the average width of the tabregion is at least about 0.7 inches, the width of the tab regiongenerally being the dimension of the tab region along a lineperpendicular to the intended tear line. More preferably, the averagewidth of the tab region is between about 0.7 and 1.5 inches. Such adimension facilitates a sufficiently reinforced tab region to providethe desired tear during operation. Such a region is considerably greaterin width than a conventional heat seal that typically has a width ofonly about 0.2-0.3 inches.

In preferred embodiments, the average width of the gap portion isbetween about 0.05 and 0.25 inches, the width of the gap portiongenerally being a dimension perpendicular to the intended tear line.Such a relatively narrow gap portion facilitates a relatively straighttear during opening of the bowl-in-pouch arrangement. This arrangementincludes means providing a substantially higher propensity for crosstear across the gap portion than the propensity for tear across thereinforced tab region; the propensity for tear across the gap regionbeing sufficiently higher so that as a user tears (by hand) thereinforced tab region from the resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement. Atear line associated therewith extends through the gap portion and notthe reinforced tab region.

In preferred embodiments, and to facilitate opening, tear notches areoriented on opposite ends of the gap portion. Such tear notches providean initial starting point for directing a tear across the gap portion.Preferably, the tear notches are oriented such that they do notcompletely disrupt the outer peripheral seal of the bowl-in-poucharrangement.

Preferred bowl-in-pouch constructions according to the present inventionare generally rectangular, formed from first and second opposedrectangular first and second opposed panels or members. Preferably, therectangular portions are formed from sheets of sealable films. Preferredmaterials include polyester laminated polyolefin films, more preferablymetallized such films. Most preferably, each panel member is formed fromsuch a film having a thickness of about 1.5-6.0 mil, i.e. 0.0015-0.006inches. A preferred laminate is a polyester/polyethylene laminate. Mostpreferably, the material is 3-5 mils thick.

Preferably, the material from which the opposed first and second opposedpanels are formed is a heat sealable material and, the outer peripheralseals, and the securement of the panels to one another in the tabregion, is generally by means of heat sealing. The enclosed resealingmeans, in preferred embodiments the rib and trough closure mechanism,may be secured in place by a variety of means, including use of mountingflanges and adhesive and/or heat sealing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exterior plan view of the bowl-in-pouch arrangement. FIG. 1shows the front panel, the periphery ends and edges to be sealed, theinternal bowl, the gaps in the seal of the bowl to the inner face of thefront panel, the re-sealable area, the tear off tab, the notches of thetear off tab and the opening gap to gain access to the bowl after thetab has been torn from the unit.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the present invention. Thedrawing shows the front and rear panels being partially squeezed (largeopposing arrows) which will result in the fluid in the lower reservoirbeing forced into the upper bowl area in the direction of the arrows,but the fluid will travel through the gaps in the seal between the bowland the inner faces of the front and rear panels.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an open bowl-in-pouch arrangementin three dimensions with the seal torn from the invention. The positionof the resealing area is also shown.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view showing the bowl-in-poucharrangement in three dimensions.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view of the present invention in use wherebythe bowl-in-pouch arrangement is open and the panels are being squeezedby a user to fill the bowl with fluid from the reservoir.

FIG. 6 is a bottom elevational plan view of the invention showing thebottom panel and its connection to the front and rear panels at theirlower ends and the bottom panel sealable fill port.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. Itis to be understood, however that the disclosed embodiments are merelyexemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms.Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed system or structure.

FIG. 1 is an exterior plan view of the invention. Front panel 2 isshown. Rear panel 4 is of the same size and shape as front panel 2 andis disposed behind and parallel to front panel 2. Front panel outer face10 is shown and rear outer face is shown as 14. Front panel inner face 8is parallel to and is disposed on the inside of front panel 2. Sideedges of front 2 and rear 4 panels are shown by designators 50 and 50′.Top edge of front 2 and rear 4 panels is shown as designator 52 andbottom edge of front 2 and rear 4 panels is shown as designator 54.

Top tab region 38 is a wide section formed from a section of front 2 andrear 4 panels connected to one another. Optionally, a reinforcing panelmay be inserted in this tab area between front 2 and rear 4 panels tostiffen this removable top tab region 38 from the main body of front 2and rear 4 panel sections. The average width of the top tab region 38 ispreferably between about 0.7 and 1.5 inches. The lower end of top tabportion 38 forms top tear seal 40, which is designated by a broken line.The top tear seal 40 may be scored to enhance the ease of mechanicallytearing top tab region 38 from the remainder of front 2 and rear 4panels. Side notches 42, 44 may be cut into front 2 and rear 4 panels,aligned with top tear seal 40 to further enhance the ease of which toptab region 38 may be manually torn from front 2 and rear 4 panels.

Front panels 2, 4 are sealed long end 54 and edges 50 and 50′ in amanner to form a void there-between thereby forming a number of discretefunctional areas between front 2 and rear 4 panels. Lower area 28 is areservoir for holding and containing liquids during transportation andstorage of the invention.

A flexible, collapsible bowl 20 is formed in the mid section of the voidbetween front 2 and rear 4 panels and is disposed between reservoir 28and top tab region 38. Bowl 20 has top face 22 and bottom/outer face 24.A seal 34 is formed between the bottom/outer face 24 of bowl 20 and theinner faces 8, 12 of front 2 and rear 4 panels. Gaps 36 are formed inseal 34 between bottom/outer face 24 of bowl 20 and inner faces 8, 12faces of front 2 and rear 4 panels.

These gaps 36 permit fluid contained in reservoir 28 to pass within eachgap from reservoir 28, along the gap 36 between inner faces 8, 12 offront 2 and rear panels and bottom/outer face 24 of bowl 20 up and intobowl 20, with the fluid being retained on top face 22 within bowl 20.Gaps 36 are preferably 0.25 to 0.75 inches in length. Preferably, thegaps are on an approximate 45 degree angle from parallel whichfacilitates the movement of fluid from the reservoir area 28 into bowl20 by moving the fluid through the gap on a virtual ‘ramp’, so the fluidcannot drop down easily into the reservoir from bowl 20. Additionally,the angled gaps promote the automatic reclosure of bowl outer face 24against front 2 and rear 4 inner faces 8 and 12 to provide for themaximum sealing effect not using any mechanical closure mechanism. Bowl20 preferably is designed from a material, such as polyethylene orpolyester, so as to have sufficient rigidity as to prevent communicationof fluids from reservoir 28 to bowl 20 until sufficient pressure isapplied to front 10 and rear 14 outer faces of panels 2 and 4. Further,when top tear seal 40 is in place, air pressure will prevent liquidsfrom moving from reservoir 28 into bowl 20.

A resealable area with mating ridges 46 and 48 is formed in the area ofthe invention between the top of bowl 20 and top tear seal 40. Thisresealable area can be formed in many commonly known manners. In apreferred embodiment, parallel, mating ridges 46, 48 can be formed infront 2 and rear 4 panels. Mating ridges 46 and 48 are preferably formedin a manner to securely, but removably, mate and unmate as suitableexternal force is applied to front 2 and rear 4 panels. Mating ridges46, 48 make the invention reclosable as need by the user. Before toptear seal 40 is removed, mating ridges 46, 48 also act as an additionalair barrier to prevent fluid from moving from reservoir 28 into bowl 20.After top tear seal 40 is removed, mating ridges 46 and 48 will also actas an air barrier to prevent such fluid movement when they are in themated and closed position. Mating ridges The resealing are formed andoperate in a manner similar to that discussed in detail in U.S. Pat. No.4,986,673 to Bell Jan. 22, 1991.

A display hook hang-hole 56 may be formed in the top tear seal 40 tofacilitate display and storage of the invention. Hook hang-hole 56 maybe used to facilitate the transportation and use of the inventionthrough use of commonly known cords and other connection devices.

Additionally, a tab 78 with an aperture 80 may be integrally formed infront 2 and rear 4 panels to provide a means for users to clip theinvention to a hook, belt or backpack, in addition to, or instead of,using the hang-hole 56

Strengthening seal areas 58, 60 may be formed between front 2 and rear 4panels to further lock in bottom panel 6 disposed there-between. Bottompanel 6 has inner face 16 and outer face 18.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention shown with toptear seal 40 removed and opening 30, granting access to bowl 20, in theopen position. When opening 30 is in the open position, a user of theinvention has access to the bowl 20 area of the invention throughopening 30, when additionally the resealing ridges 46 and 48 are in theopen and unmated position.

In FIG. 2 top tear seal 40 has been removed, opening 30 is in the openposition, and resealing ridges 46 and 48 are in the unmated position.External force has been applied to front 2 and rear panel 4 at locationsshown by arrows 62 and 64. This has caused fluid located in reservoir 28to be forced upwardly through gaps 36 in seal 34 between bowl 20 andfront 8 and rear 12 inner faces of front 2 and rear 4 panels, which haspermitted fluid to move from reservoir 28 into bowl 20 as is shown byarrows 66 and 68 through gaps 36 in seal 34.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an open bowl-in-pouch arrangementin three dimensions. The top tear seal 40 is not present. Opening 30 andresealing ridges 46 and 48 are shown in the unmated position. Stabilitywings 70 and 72 are shown. The stability wings have multiple functions.They provide an area to securely attach bottom panel 8 to front 2 andrear 4 panels. Stability wings 70 and 72 provide an a secure locationfor strengthening seals 58 and 60, and stability wings 70 and 72provides wide legs to support the invention so it can stand unsupportedin a vertical position when placed on a horizontal surface. Thestability wings are very important in making the invention act as a freestanding vertical bowl when in active use as a bowl for animals toaccess water from bowl 20.

The seal 74 of bowl 20 to front 2 and rear panels 4 is shown as a pairof lines, with the understanding that this seal, with gaps, can beformed in any commercial manner.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view showing the invention in a closedand filled condition. FIG. 4 shows outer panel 18 of base panel 6 in anextended position as the reservoir 28 is filled with fluid and top tearseal 40 is present and in the closed position, opening 30 is in theclosed position, and resealing ridges 46 and 48 are shown in the matedand closed position.

FIG. 5 is an illustrative view of the present invention in use whereinopening 30 is in the open position and a dog is accessing the fluid inbowl 20 through opening 30. External force is shown being applied tofront 2 and rear panel 4 at locations shown by arrows 62 and 64. Thishas caused fluid located in reservoir 28 to be forced upwardly throughgaps 36 in seal 34 between bowl 20 and front 8 and rear 12 inner facesof front 2 and rear 4 panels to move from reservoir 28 into bowl 20.

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the bowl-in-pouch arrangement showing asealable bottom fluid loading port 32 disposed in bottom panel 6 in oneembodiment of the invention. In other embodiments of the invention,fluid loading port 32 is not a part of the invention, but instead thereservoir is filled from the top tear region 38 through gaps 36 intoreservoir 28.

As will be described in greater detail below, the bowl-in-poucharrangement includes internal means for resealing one opposed panels toanother, such that after the bowl-in-pouch arrangement has been tornopen, it can readily be securely resealed again. In the preferredembodiment, such means for resealing the bowl-in-pouch arrangement issuch as allows the bowl-in-pouch arrangement to be opened and resealed anumber of times.

The resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement includes opposed front 2 andrear 4 panels wherein a first opposed panel 2 and a second opposed panel4 are generally affixed to one another but leaving an opening 30 throughwhich a fluid can be inserted within the void formed by front 2 and rearpanels. In a preferred embodiment, the opposed front 2 and rear 4 panelsare in a generally rectangular shape with each opposed panel's portionor opposed panels being of substantially similar dimensions. It shouldbe understood that the present invention is not, however, limited torectangular arrangements; nor is it limited to arrangements wherein thefirst opposed panels 2 and 4 have identical dimensions. Embodiments areenvisioned wherein the opposed panel arrangement and/or the resultingbowl-in-pouch arrangement is not rectangular and are in fact shaped forconvenient use, such as having a narrowed middle portion to accommodateeasy hand operation, such as the squeezing action shown in FIG. 2 byarrows 62 and 64.

Further, embodiments are contemplated wherein one opposed panels is, forinstance, larger than the second opposed panel. There is, of course, norequirement that the first and second opposed panels 2, 4 compriseindependent sheets of material in order to obtain some advantage. Apreferred arrangement is when front 2 and rear 4 panels are formed fromtwo independent opposed panels 2 and 3 adhered to one another with athird bottom panel 6, to provide an expansion area for the filledreservoir 28 as is shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The reservoir 28, when filledand expanded, is disposed between front 2 and rear 4 panels. Theexpanded reservoir 28 makes the bottom panel 6 form a stable base of theinvention so that the invention can stand alone in a vertical position.Additionally, stability wings 70 and 72 can be formed in front 2 andrear 4 panels to provide additional vertical stabilization for theentire invention.

The front 2 and rear 4 panels and the bottom panel 6 are affixed orsecured to one another at or along respective peripheral regions but areseparable of one another over a substantial portion of their internalregions. Typically front 2 and rear 4 panels and the bottom panel 6 aresecured to one another along three sides prior to filling thebowl-in-pouch arrangement.

A top end opening 30 between front 2 and rear 4 panels is left open topermit fluid to be inserted into the internal pouch region reservoir 28through gaps 36 in seal 34 between bowl 20 and front 2 and rear 4panels.

After the fluid has been inserted into the invention, as describedabove, the top tear region 38 is formed by sealing front 2 and rear 4panels. The sealing may be accomplished by any means now known ordeveloped in the future including, but not limited to, the applicationof heat, ultrasound, and adhesives. The seals need to be strong and mustcontain the fluid within the invention from fluid insertion throughshipping and use. The seals may optimally be 0.2-0.3 inches wide.

Alternately fluid may be inserted into the invention, directly into thereservoir 28, directly through a sealable bottom fill port 32. Afterfilling, this port can be sealed in any known manner, including throughuse of plugs and adhesives.

In greater detail, the top of the invention comprises four primaryregions, a top tear tab region 38, a set of opposing resealable opposingmating ridges 46 and 48, a top tear seal 40, with side tear notches 42and 44, which form opening 30 after top tear tab 38, has been removedfrom the invention.

The top tear tab region 38 is formed from the seal of front 2 and rear 4panels. Additionally, an inner stiffener may be placed between front 2and rear 4 panels to provide additional resiliency to provide for easeof tearing top tear region 38 from the invention. A hang hole 56 may beformed in top tear region 38 to facilitate store display and storage ofthe invention. At the lower end of top tab region 38 is formed toptearable seal 40. Top tearable seal 40 may be scored or otherwiseprepared to easily and cleanly separate the top tear region 38 from thebody of the invention. Additionally, side notches 42 and 44 may beformed at the sides of top tearable seal 40 to facilitate the easyseparation of top tear region 38 from the invention.

Disposed below top tear seal 40 is a resealable mechanism that willreclose front 2 and rear 4 panels after top tear tab region 38 has beentorn from the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the resealing meansis a zipper-type rib and trough arrangement comprising opposing mateableribs 46 and 48, which may be formed in front 2 and rear 4 panels.Alternatively, any water tight reclosable seal, now known or hereafterdeveloped may be used in place of opposing mateable ribs 46 and 48.

In use, the user will open the bowl-in-pouch arrangement, generally atthe top end, by tearing top tear region 38 along top tearable seal 40.More specifically, the user will typically grasp a corner of the top tabregion 38 and tear across the width of the bowl-in-pouch arrangement toseparate top tear tab 38 from the invention. Undesirable cross tears, ortransverse tears, which would result in tear lines are not likely tooccur since top tear tab 38 is stronger and has a significantly lowerpropensity to tear front 2 and rear 4 panels, and due to the existenceof top tearable seal 40, which is aligned with side notches 42 and 44.

After top tear tab 38 is stripped away from the bowl-in-poucharrangement, a pouch with a void remains that is sealed on three edgeregions. The resealing means, namely ridges 46 and 48, are adapted to beopened and resealed, repeatedly, to alternately permit and deny accessto the fluid in bowl 20 through opening 30 between panels 2 and 4 fromthe top end of the invention.

Bowl-in-pouch arrangements according to the present invention may bemanufactured from a variety of materials. It is particularlyadvantageous, however that they be constructed from relatively thin,strong material such as polyester film, and particularly metallizedpolyester film. Preferred embodiments that are particularly useful, andinclude advantages according to the present invention, may beconstructed wherein the front 2, rear 4 and bottom 6 panels comprisesheets of metallized polyester polyolefin laminate film each having athickness within a range of about 1.5-6.0 mil more preferably about 3-5mil. Preferably, heat sealable metallized polyester/polyolefin film isutilized so that the means of securing the panels to one another withoutthe need for additional adhesive, but any method now know, or indeveloped in the future, can be used to seal the panels 2, 4, and 6 toone another. The seals need to be mechanically strong, air and watertight, reliable, and inexpensive to manufacture.

One preferred material for making the invention is metallized polyesterfilm material utilizable to form bowl-in-pouch arrangement s accordingto the present invention is available from Flexicon, Inc. under thedesignation laminated metallized polyester. It comprises a 48 gauge ICI#443 metallized polyethylene material metallized to 2-4% lighttransmission. Another material that may be utilized is Heat SealablePolyester Film #48, a non-metallized film available from 3M under thetrademark SCOTCHPAK®. Such material has a tensile strength of about 9pounds per inch width, 100% elongation, burst strength about 50 poundsper square inch, edge tear strength about 1,000 grams and an Elmendorftear strength of 80+ grams. The suggested securing conditions for suchan arrangement are about 300 degrees to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for0.2-2.0 seconds at 20-60 pounds per square inch.

While these materials are used for the front 2, rear 4 and bottom 6panels, a clear, strong, resilient material should preferably be used toform the bowl 20. Preferably a strong, clear polyethylene material maybe used to form bowl 20. Further, to provide ease in manufacturing, acomplete polyethylene bag, having integral reclosable opposed matingridges 46, 48 may be formed outside of the invention and be placed as aunit between front 2 and rear 4 panels to form bowl 20. Bowl 20 isaffixed to front 2 and rear 4 panels by a seal 34 between the topexternal edges of bowl 20 and the inner faces of front 8 and rear 12panels.

Gaps 36, to permit fluid disposed in the reservoir are 28, when underexternal pressure, to flow from the reservoir area 28, through gaps 36,into the bowl. Gravity tends to hold the fluid near the bottom of bowl20, and hence the fluid does not flow upwardly back through the gaps 36to the reservoir area 28. Additionally, a number of small drainage holesmay be placed in the bottom of bowl 20 to permit fluid not immediatelyused to automatically return to the reservoir area 28 disposed directlybelow bowl 20. Further, upon the release of external pressure on front 2and rear 4 panels, excess fluids will be siphoned back into reservoirarea 28 through gaps 36. The bowl 20 material is optimally made of aclear material so the user can look into opening 30 and see both theamount and cleanliness of the fluid disposed in bowl 20 and in thereservoir area 28 disposed below bowl 20.

It will be understood that bowl-in-pouch arrangements according to thepresent invention may be provided with a variety of outer dimensions.The opposed panels could be any conceivably useful shape such assubstantially round, oval, square or rectangular shape or any practicalvariation of these shapes that one might design.

An alternative method for filling the reservoir area 28 in the inventionis through sealing the entire periphery of the invention, with theexception of a small fill port 76. A nozzle of any type now known ordeveloped in the future is placed in fill port 76. Fill port 76 is indirect communication with reservoir area 28. Fluid is injected intoreservoir area 28 through fill port 76. The nozzle is then withdrawnfrom fill port 76 and fill port 76 is sealed in the normal manners, asis described above.

A bag arrangement that incorporates a tab arrangement such as thisinvention contemplates is discussed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,673to Bell Jan. 22, 1991, incorporated herein by reference. The bagarrangement of Bell was designed to hold solid objects. It does not havean opening for allowing insertion of fluids. U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,658discloses the details of using a tear region i.e. a line of weaknessthat extends laterally across both side edges in close proximity to butbelow top peripheral seal. The line of weakness may be formed by, forexample, perforating or scoring with a laser or knife. One or both endsof line of weakness preferably terminate with a notch, which provides astress concentration and aids in starting a tear along line of weaknesswhen a consumer opens the pouch. U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,658 is incorporatedherein by reference.

Another resealing means is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,425 toForman incorporated herein by reference. The resealing means of Formanis referred to as a repeatably openable and resealable interlockingclosure comprising inner and outer interlocking portions integral withthe said package body and comprising multiple stacked and sealedtogether continuously connected layers of the packaging material, saidclosure being operative to open and close said package body to provideand present access to the package interior.

A preferred method of filling a bowl-in-pouch arrangement, comprisingmaking a sealed bowl-in-pouch arrangement having an opening in one edge,inserting a tube into the opening, injecting a fluid into an internalpouch region of the sealed bowl-in-pouch arrangement, and irreversiblysealing the opening.

A preferred method of making a liquid available to an animal comprisesapplying pressure to the front 2 and rear 4 panels of the instantinvention to cause liquid within the reservoir area 28 to flow upwardlythrough gaps 36 in seal 34 to arrive in bowl 20, and the invention withliquid in bowl 20 within proximity of an animal so that the animal canconsume the liquid in bowl 20 through opening 30 after top tear region38 had been torn from the invention and further placing the invention ina vertical position on the ground whereby the invention is supported bythe weight of the fluid in the reservoir area 28 and is stabilized byexternal stabilizing wings 70, 72.

Any liquid can be used with this system, but a preferred use is forpeople or animal drinking water, which may have added nutrients.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments of the presentinvention have been illustrated and described, it is not to be limitedto the specific forms or arrangements herein described and shown.

1. A resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement comprising: (a) a front panel,said front panel having an inner face and an outer face and an edge; (b)a rear panel, said rear panel having an inner face and an outer face andan edge; (c) wherein said edge of said front panel is connected to saidedge of said rear panel so as to create a void area between said frontand said rear panels; (d) a bowl means disposed in said void areabetween said front and rear panels, said bowl means having a top faceand a bottom face and an edge, wherein said edge of said bowl means isattached by means of a seal to said inner faces of said front and rearpanels thereby defining an upper bowl area and a lower reservoir areawithin said void; (e) wherein gaps are formed in said seal between saidbowl bottom face and said inner faces of said front and rear panels topermit fluid disposed in said reservoir to travel through said gaps intosaid bowl upon external pressure being applied to said outer faces ofsaid front and rear panels; and (f) an opening disposed between said topface of said bowl and said edge of said panels opposite said top face ofsaid bowl.
 2. The resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement according toclaim 1 wherein the bowl arrangement wherein said opening is reclosable.2. The resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement according to claim 1 whereinthe bowl arrangement further comprising reclosable means wherein saidopening is reclosable.
 3. The resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangementaccording to claim 1 wherein the bowl arrangement further comprising atear tab to close said opening.
 4. The resealable bowl-in-poucharrangement according to claim 1 wherein the bowl arrangement furthercomprising a tear tab to close said opening and further comprisingreclosable means wherein said opening is reclosable.
 5. A resealablebowl-in-pouch arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising anopening along said edge of said front and rear panels for insertingfluid into said reservoir area, wherein said opening is sealed aftersaid fluid has been inserted in said reservoir area.
 6. A resealablebowl-in-pouch arrangement according to claim 1 having a substantiallyrectangular shape.
 7. A resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement accordingto claim 3 further comprising a top tearable seal disposed within saidfront and rear panels and further disposed between said opening and saidtear tab to facilitate removing said tear tab from said panels.
 8. Aresealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement according to claim 7 furthercomprising notches formed in said front and rear panels, said notchesaligned with said tearable seal to facilitate removing said tear tabfrom said panels.
 9. A bowl-in-pouch arrangement according to claim 1wherein said front and rear opposed panels are comprised of metallizedpolyester/polyolefin laminate film.
 10. A bowl-in-pouch arrangementaccording to claim 10 wherein said front and rear opposed panels areheat sealed to one another.
 11. A bowl-in-pouch arrangement according toclaim 2 wherein said reclosable means is comprised of opposing andmating ridges.
 12. A resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement according toclaim 1 further comprising a bottom panel, said bottom panel having aninner and outer face, said bottom panel being disposed between andattached to said inner faces of said front and said rear panels wherebysaid inner faces of said front and rear panels and said inner face ofsaid bottom panel define said reservoir area.
 13. A resealablebowl-in-pouch arrangement according to claim 12 further comprising atleast two stability wings formed in said front and rear panels whereinthe lower edge of each of said stability wings is on the same plane asthe lower edge of said front and rear panels.
 14. A resealablebowl-in-pouch arrangement according to claim 1 further comprising asealable fill port disposed in the bottom edge of said front and rearpanels.
 15. A resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement according to claim 1further comprising a sealable fill port disposed in a side edge of saidfront and rear panels.
 16. A resealable bowl-in-pouch arrangementaccording to claim 1 further comprising a hang hole formed in said topedge of said front and rear panels.
 17. A resealable bowl-in-poucharrangement according to claim 1 further comprising a tab apertureformed in said top edge of said front and rear panels.
 18. A method ofmaking a bowl-in-pouch arrangement, the method comprising: a.constructing an opposed panel arrangement that includes front and rearopposed panels, wherein each of said front and rear opposed panels eachhave edges; b. securing said front and rear opposed panels to oneanother along said edges in a manner to form an internal void betweensaid opposing front and rear panels; c. securing said front and rearpanels to a third internal panel to form a bowl arrangement within saidvoid by means of a seal, wherein said bowl defines an upper bowl areaand a lower reservoir area, and wherein gaps are formed in said seal soas to permit fluid from said reservoir area communicate with said bowlarea through said gaps while external pressure is applied to said frontand rear panels and wherein said bowl communicates with an opening inthe opposing edge of said front and rear panels; d. securing a resealingmeans to the panel arrangement around the inside opening of the pouch ina manner to allow the pouch to be resealed; and e. constructing a tabarrangement at said opening to create a sealable tabbed opening.
 19. Amethod of making a liquid available to an organism, comprising a.Applying pressure to the front and rear panels, wherein said front andrear panels form an internal void, to cause liquid disposed in a lowerreservoir within said void to flow upwardly to a bowl formed fromanother panel disposed within said void, through gaps in a seal betweensaid bowl and said inner faces of said front and rear panels, wherein anopening in an edge opposing said bowl has been opened; and b. Placingthe liquid within said opening in proximity of said animal so that saidanimal can access said liquid in said bowl through said opening.
 20. Theresealable bowl-in-pouch arrangement according to claim 1 wherein thegaps are formed at a 45 degree angle with respect to the base plane ofsaid bowl and wherein said gaps are 0.5 inches in length.